On my own

Today my account at Acrylic University lost a lot of weight! As of this date, I no longer have access to their painting video riches in the Journey, the Library, the Archives etc. It is with sadness that I say farewell to this chapter of my art journey (though I still have access to the 52 Jed Dorsey mini painting tutorials I purchased last year and am getting new ones weekly from Aimee Erickson through 2024).

Now that I’m taking some time away from regular online art classes, the onus for inspiration is on me. I’ve been asking myself, “What can I do to keep growing?” and “What do I want to paint?”

One of the pieces of art advice that comes up frequently is to paint often and small. I like that (and it goes well with my Etsy shop’s branding: Violet Nesdoly Art: Fine Art for Small Spaces). Thus a couple of weeks ago I purchased a stash of 8×10” canvas panels. My goal is to paint at least one of these per week, along with smaller works.

For inspiration I’m delving into a “Photos to Paint” album I’ve been adding to regularly. I’m hoping to actually put some paint on these good intentions I’ve collected.

So far I’m on track.

Last week I painted this landscape inspired by a walk along the Cowichan River in 2009.

Just last night I finished (sort of…probably tweaks to come) this spring scene snapped in a park close to home, also in 2009.

It’s a start!

What are your goals–short term or long?